Follow up to our conversation from Session Three
We began with a discussion of some of the responses to the question, what moved you, what jumped out at you as you listened to, reread the 1st story of creation [Genesis 1:1 – 2:4a.]
For Rosemarie it was the account of the fourth day of creation, verses 1:14 – 19. Ken’s mention of the video Cosmic Voyage lead to a lengthy discussion, why is it that someone who already believes sees God in the wonders of nature while the person who doesn’t believe might see the exact opposite, evidence in the wonder of nature that God does not exist? Certainly nature itself isn’t any different.
Are we hardwired, as Ken suggested? Why was Paul attracted to cars, Dick to scripture, etc? How do we talk with others whom we don’t share a common point of view and do that respectfully? What makes our group attractive is that it is a place where everyone’s thoughts are respected. It is a setting in which people feel free to express whatever they think. They can be challenged by the thoughts of others.
For example, Ken’s very choice of the word “hardwired” emerges out of the influence of science, perhaps from the advances in studies of the brain. Now this is true whether Ken was aware of the scientific influence or not. To recognize the influence, however, is what it means to rise to the level of our times. The next step in the process is to ask a series of follow up question. For instance, what is meant by being “hardwired?” What are the implications for the idea that we are created in God’s image? What about our being free?
Besides the natural sciences, Mark suggested that the human sciences like psychology, philosophy, even theology contribute to the differences between human beings. It is difficult in our day to day living to allow these thoughts to influence us. We get swept up in the conversation, especially if we don’t agree with what the other is saying; in matters of religion, in matters of politics, policy, etc.
Ken than added another point in our discussion recalling an important point from the person who responded the opposite of Ken after viewing the video Cosmic Voyage. .
Ken: Just as a follow up. This guy wrote a little bit more that what I said initially. … Look how much they [the Bible] constrained … how much the universe is compared to what it says in the Bible. It is obvious there is no God because it’s [the Bible] not right.
Ken’s recollection points out another challenge if we are to rise to the level of our times. This person assumes something about the creation story that is simply mistaken. What we are learning in our group is first to come to an adult understanding of reading the Bible; from that understanding to recognize the source of his mistaken view. Finally we are challenged to learn how to talk with him in a way that respects his different point of view.
What do you think is the source of his mistaken point of view? If you know, how would you talk with him? If you don’t know, is it important to know?
Rosemarie offered a wonderful story of a non believing friend of hers who exemplifies a truly moral life. One simple example may capture the heart of Rosemarie’s story.
Rosemarie: … I’ll tell you how good she is. I mean this is a beautiful teacher. From the time that she was in high school … she’s about 50 now. On her birthday she will send her mother … a rose. … Isn’t that … to me … I think that’s awesome.
First Story of Creation – A few new observations, questions, discussion.
Jody wondered what other group members thought of the fact that the story has God creating light on Day One and not until Day Four does God create “Sun, Moon, and Stars.”
Various members brought out that light can have a number of different meetings. It can mean the physical light that comes from the Sun or from other energy sources like electricity or a battery. But it can also mean the light that is thought of when we catch on to something, an intellectual light. The word light can be a symbol with different meanings all held together in the one word.
What does it mean in the Bible, though; that is another and perhaps more pertinent question for us? Next week we will discuss how literary studies allow us to understand how primitive people spoke, wrote. Additionally in handout for next weeks we will recognize there is a certain symmetry in the author’s presentation; Day 1 and 4, Day 2 and 5, and Day 3 and 6. Stay tuned!
Ken pointed out that not all literature raises questions such as the Bible does. As a programmer, he doesn’t question the meaning of directions to write a HTML script, for instance. Tina doesn’t question much of what is assumed in her CPA education.
But the Bible is a different kind of literature? We want to know its meaning for us.
It was hard to believe but the hour and a half of our time had disappeared. I wanted to make sure that we focus on the meaning of this First Story of Creation in our gathering next week. So I concluded [I thought] with this question:
And I don’t want to leave this story without asking ourselves what is it about, what is this author trying to teach us?
In response Annette responded: About Heaven and Hell.
In some ways Annette’s response points to the truth and in other ways it fails to capture what is unique to this story. So next week we will tackle this issue, hopefully.
Your comments, etc. are welcomed.